Hockey Rivalry

Chapter 16

Lia

I put on adidas sweatpants and a white tank top.

I walk back into my bathroom and brush my hair. I tried keeping my sad shower short because we have to go to the Davis'.

I feel much cleaner now. And much better too.

While I brush my hair I contemplate makeup.

I walk to my vanity and pull open my makeup drawer. I pick out a black waterproof mascara and put it on.

I always tell myself I look sick without it.

I pick up the jean jacket sitting on my bed and put it on. The jean jacket being oversized and the sleeves swallowing my arms and the jacket going over my butt. I cuff the sleeves.

I look at myself in the mirror twisting around all over. I hate the way I look and want to change but I have to go. I take the jacket and try to cover my body with it. I'll just go the whole night like this.

I slip on my white air forces, grab my phone and keys and I walk downstairs.

"I'll meet you there." My dad says walking out the door.

I follow after him and lock the door once I'm outside.

I get in my car and I decide to switch moods. I put on feel good songs. To lift my mood before I'm surrounded by people.

I take my ten minute drive to Colton's house. The place I've only been a few times but feel like I've been there thousands of times.

My dads car never leaving my sight my whole ride there.

I wonder how many times I have to constantly go down this road to get dizzy.

I bring my elbow up and rest it against my car window. I rest my head on my hand.

Uplifting mood Lia, c'mon.

Maybe Colton will be there.

I pull into his driveway. I park my car where I always park it. Next to his car.

I get out and meet my dad halfway to their door.

"You know he didn't come to practice today." My dad says.

"He didn't come to school either."

Maria opens the door before my dad and I reach it. I notice tears on her face. My heart drops.

What if something happened to Colton?

Maria opens up her arms and hugs my dad. Then she hugs me.

We all step inside and Colton's dad is sitting at the kitchen table with his head down. The feeling in the place is heavy.

My dad and I take our shoes off by the door.

"Colton's upstairs in his room." Maria whispers to me.

I nod. My lips are slightly parted as I observe everything around me.

I reluctantly go upstairs. It feels like I haven't seen Colton in forever.

I don't know how he's going to react to me when he sees me.

I reach the top of the stairs. My pace is slow as I walk to his door.

When I reach it I bring my hand up to the handle and it rests there. My heart beat gets louder.

Just Go in. Just do it.

I tell myself.

I slowly twist the door hand and open the door. The smell of smoke hits me in the face.